International Women’s Day: #InspireInclusion

You are invited to join us to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 with us on March 6 under the empowering theme of #InspireInclusion. In this event, we aim to shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements of women across various fields, emphasising the importance of diversity, equality, and unity.

Encouraging others to recognise and appreciate the importance of women’s inclusion and progression is key to creating a brighter future. When women feel encouraged to participate, a profound sense of belonging, significance, and empowerment flourishes.

This year, we are proud to highlight the significant role that women’s football plays in the journey towards inclusivity. Women’s football has shattered long-standing stereotypes, proving that athleticism, skill, and dedication know no gender boundaries.

Supporting women’s football means advocating for equal opportunities in not just the sporting world but everywhere else as well. By providing platforms for female athletes to thrive, we contribute to breaking down systemic barriers and creating a more inclusive environment for aspiring talents.

We will have special guests to hosts of the event, accompanied by an exceptional lineup of speakers featuring:

Jay Bhayani – Bhayani HR & Employment Law

Jay is Managing Director and a specialist employment law solicitor at Bhayani HR & Employment Law. She has over 25 years’ experience of dealing with all aspects of HR and employment matters and specialises in complex and sensitive issues, using her experience and knowledge to find tactical solutions.

Jay has established an impressive reputation as one of the leading employment lawyers in the Yorkshire region and has won various accolades including Yorkshire Lawyer; Employment Lawyer of the year, ABDN Professional of the Year and shortlisted for the Yorkshire and Humberside Institute of Director’s business adviser of the year award and the 2021 Enterprise Nation Top UK HR Advisor award.

Bhayani HR & Employment Law, under her direction, has won the Sheffield Business Awards for its “Excellence in Professional Services” and in 2023 won Best HR Business in the unLTD Awards. Jay speaks on matters relating to sex discrimination and inequalities in the workplace which comes directly from her clients’ experiences over the course of her career. Her all-female law firm champions opportunities for women in the legal sector.

Tracey Jackson – Roundabout Sheffield

Tracey is the Deputy CEO at Roundabout Ltd. She has previously worked at Shelter where she set up a ground breaking peer education project, that has since been implemented at Roundabout and is an integral aspect of Homeless prevention for young people.

Roundabout is South Yorkshire’s local youth housing charity providing shelter, support and life skills to young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

She possesses a diverse skill set including leadership, quality assurance customer service, management, coaching, people management, and nonprofits. Tracey’s dedicated approach to improving the lives of young people is inspirational.

Ruth McDonald – Sheffield City Council

Ruth is a Social worker of 17 years, former Race Equality Commissioner 2022 and now working as a Race Equality Business Lead for SCC business Sheffield.

Having a strong relationship with the community Ruth helps those with what merely could be just an idea to put Idea’s into business reality following their dreams.

Ruth has run and supported number of diverse business events across the city including black history month, 20 x20 Art exhibitions and currently curating the Windrush exhibition for Sheffield Museum due to be launched May 2024.

Ruth recently led on the Sheffield Winter Gardens MOBO Award Fringe, bringing artists around the city celebrating the Music of Black origin.

Sophie Barker – SUFC Captain and Academy Coach

Sophie is currently the SUFC Women’s Captain and Academy Manager, with 15+ years of footballing experience that includes coaching, teaching and playing.

Prior to arriving at Sheffield United Women’s Sophie played for various clubs including Lincoln City, Notts County, Doncaster Belles and Leicester City Women.

Sophie’s passion for football has enabled her to complete a degree in sports development & coaching alongside a UEFA A licence and a teaching qualification. Sophie has worked in various capacities such as a Coach Developer for The FA, an Education Tutor for Sheffield United and a skills coach for both private companies and The FA.

We would like to highlight that ALL, regardless of gender identity, social background, sexual orientation, or any other distinction, are not just welcome but celebrated. Save the date for this empowering & diverse get together.